The Future of Hydrogen Development in the Gulf

There are high hopes for hydrogen in Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates are advancing hydrogen-focused initiatives. The Saudi gigaproject Neom has a strong hydrogen dimension. The Omani government-related entity Hydrom is leading the development of the country’s green hydrogen sector. The UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy 2050 envisions the country becoming one of the biggest hydrogen producers by 2031. And at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, in Dubai, more than 30 countries launched a declaration of intent on clean hydrogen development.  

Yet how realistic are Gulf hydrogen ambitions? What hydrogen projects in the Gulf are feasible, and what projects may need to be reconsidered? Where are the biggest opportunities and potential pitfalls? How much progress must Gulf energy officials make in developing domestic markets for hydrogen? What standards are necessary to ensure Gulf countries can export hydrogen to key future markets, such as Europe? And how are the outcomes from COP28 likely to shape the future of hydrogen in the Gulf? 

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